Chapter 494: ’Like A Little Sister.’
Florian could see Scarlett’s lips quiver as her composure finally cracked.
"You truly think so?" she asked, her voice fragile, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes.
’She really is like a little sister.’ Florian thought, an affectionate warmth stirring in his chest as he reached out and placed a steady hand on top of her curly hair.
He gently petted her, slow and careful, the way one comforts someone who’s close to breaking.
"Yes. I’m sure," Florian said softly, though his voice carried a quiet strength meant to steady her.
He paused, his words catching in his throat as his heart suddenly gave a sharp, unexpected throb. "...It’s natural to think you don’t deserve something. But that doesn’t mean it’s true. And even if it is true—that you still don’t deserve her—then earn it. Redeem yourself until you can finally forgive yourself."
That was the last push. Scarlett’s tears finally spilled, streaming down her cheeks in fragile trails, and before Florian could react, she suddenly moved.
It was quick, almost desperate—her arms shot forward and enveloped him in a trembling hug.
Florian froze, startled, his eyes widening. ’She’s hugging me?’
The thought flickered in disbelief, but his resistance melted almost instantly.
A small, genuine smile tugged at his lips, and he let his arms come around her, holding her firmly, returning the embrace with quiet reassurance.
"Thank you, Florian," Scarlett whispered into his shoulder, her voice shaking but honest. "I... I wouldn’t have been able to change if it wasn’t for you. Well—and for that test you conducted. I think... some part of me always liked Athena, which made me despise her too. Because..."
Her voice faltered, heavy with vulnerability. "...well, a princess liking another princess?"
Florian only nodded, his hand instinctively rubbing small circles against her back, his touch gentle and grounding.
"I changed," she continued, her breath uneven. "I accepted myself, and my feelings... with your help. Truly, thank you."
"You also did that yourself," Florian murmured, his voice low but warm, brushing against her hair. "A person can only change with their own efforts. There are just people who can push them along the way. This was your effort."
Then, with a quiet chuckle, he added, "Though sure, I’ll take some of the credit."
That earned him a wet laugh from Scarlett. "You are annoying."
"And you are bratty," Florian shot back lightly, pulling away from the hug at last.
He lifted his hand and wiped her tears away with his thumb, his touch careful.
"But I’m also thankful. In all the moments where you could, you still stood by me. That alone was enough to show me you weren’t so bad."
Scarlett sniffed, her lips curving into a weak smile. "And you aren’t as awful or manipulative as I thought. I’m really... sorry for being so mean to you. For calling you delusional for thinking his majesty loved you, because well—"
"Well, I actually was delusional," Florian interrupted smoothly, as though it were obvious.
Scarlett raised an eyebrow, staring at him. "...No. You saying that now is what’s delusional."
Florian blinked, genuinely confused, and her expression shifted, surprised by his obliviousness. "Wait—you mean all this time I thought you were joking... but do you seriously not see it?"
"Scarlett, don’t start. This is his majesty we’re talking about." Florian crossed his arms across his chest, a clear barrier in his body language, though his voice carried the faintest hint of unease.
"Yes! The same man who tore through the kingdom for you? Who plans a ball for your
birthday, when he’s never done anything like that for us?" Scarlett’s tone sharpened, her emotions spiking. She jabbed a finger at him. "You even sleep next to his room!"’Well, in his room.’ Florian thought wryly, rolling his eyes. "Because I am useful to him."
"Really?" Scarlett pressed, leaning closer. "How useful have you been lately—now that you’re not helping him choose a bride? Because if you haven’t noticed... he’s no longer looking for one." She punctuated her words with a poke to his arm.
"That doesn’t mean anyth—" Florian began, but a sudden knock interrupted him.
The sound echoed through the quiet room, sharp and unexpected.
Both of them stilled, heads snapping toward the door.
Florian’s brows furrowed slightly as he glanced at Scarlett. "...Expecting anyone?"
Scarlett shook her head, eyes widening. "Not that I know of. But... let me check."
She smoothed her gown as she rose from the couch, her movements composed but still carrying a thread of tension. She cast him a polite look over her shoulder. "Pardon me."
And with that, she crossed the room and reached for the door.
Florian watched closely as Scarlett reached for the door, the wooden handle turning with a soft click. But when it opened, his eyes widened, his body instinctively straightening.
"Y-Your Majesty!" Scarlett gasped, her voice breaking with shock. She immediately dipped into a deep curtsy, skirts brushing the floor.
Florian, equally startled, pushed himself to his feet at once and strode toward the doorway. "Your Majesty... what are you doing here?"
Heinz stood tall and composed in the doorway, his presence filling the room in an instant. He didn’t spare Scarlett a glance; his sharp gaze was fixed solely on Florian.
"I was looking for you," Heinz said evenly, though the weight behind his words made Florian’s chest tighten. "I heard you were here." Then, with a subtle step to the side, he revealed someone hiding behind him.
Athena.
The young princess peeked out from behind Heinz, her face flushed with shy hesitation.
"I believe Athena also wished to speak with Scarlett," Heinz continued smoothly, his tone unbothered. "So, come."
Scarlett’s head snapped up, her eyes wide with surprise. "Athena, you’re... here."
Athena’s cheeks deepened to a rose-red. Her voice trembled as she fiddled with her hands. "Y-Yes. I hope I’m not intruding. I only wished to speak with you, but—uhm—I ran into His Majesty, and—"
"Of course, come in!" Scarlett blurted out, flustered, tugging at her gown nervously. "And, ah—Your Majesty, I appreciate you... coming by."
Heinz finally glanced her way, giving only the faintest of nods. "Thank you as well, Athena. Scarlett. For helping plan Florian’s ball." His voice was calm, but it carried the authority that brooked no argument. "I will see that you both are compensated for it."
’Maybe try not torturing Athena’s kingdom while you’re at it.’ Florian thought dryly, hiding the bite of his inner words with a polite smile.
He lingered a moment longer at the door, then subtly tipped Scarlett a wink as he leaned back.
Scarlett blinked, her face turning crimson when she caught his mouthed words—Good luck.
Athena stepped carefully into Scarlett’s chamber, her shyness softening into determination, while Florian slipped out in turn, moving to stand at Heinz’s side.
The two princesses exchanged curtsies again before Scarlett ushered Athena further inside.
Heinz didn’t linger. He turned immediately, cloak shifting with the motion, and began walking down the corridor.
"Follow me," he commanded, his tone low but leaving no room for refusal.
Florian’s brows knitted faintly as he fell into step beside him, the echo of their footsteps resounding in the hall.
’Did something happen?’